Why LaBrae and Canfield Art Students Are Shocking Everyone at the Governor’s Exhibition—You Won't Believe What They Created!

In a remarkable showcase of talent, six students from the Mahoning Valley have had their artwork selected to be displayed in the prestigious 2026 Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition. Among them, Truly Jacops, a senior at LaBrae High School, will not only have her artwork featured in a digital cameo show at the governor’s office but will also have a second piece hung at the Rhodes State Office Tower in downtown Columbus, following her inclusion in the top 300 pieces selected from nearly 6,000 submissions statewide.

Regional judging took place earlier this month, with **Josh MacMillan**, the art teacher at Hubbard High School and director for Region 11, overseeing the process. He noted that students from the Mahoning Valley achieved commendable recognition, with 36 pieces winning at the regional level, paving the way for their participation in the state finals. Six students from local schools—Canfield, Cardinal Mooney, Hubbard, LaBrae, Lakeview, and Ursuline—made the cut, which MacMillan described as a challenging feat, with students facing just a **0.05%** chance of selection.

“Competing with larger urban areas like **Columbus**, **Cleveland**, **Cincinnati**, and **Dayton** is always going to be difficult,” MacMillan said. “But thanks to the students and the phenomenal teachers we have in the area, we continue to show our students are as gifted as any across Ohio.” Both **Kate Kistler**, who teaches at LaBrae, and **Kevin Hoopes** from Canfield also had pieces selected for the cameo show.

The cameo exhibition, selected by jurors, will be presented in an online gallery at oaae.net. While it won’t be open to the public, it aims to highlight exceptional high school artwork. Truly Jacops and fellow student **Annelise Noble** from Canfield will have their works featured in this digital show, while the remaining artworks by Canfield students **Mia Tisone** (who submitted two pieces) and **Zoe Dillinger** will be framed and displayed at the Rhodes Tower from **April 12 until May 15**.

Jacops expressed her excitement, stating, “Moments like these feel surreal; it’s like all the hours and effort spent are finally being recognized publicly. It makes it feel all the more meaningful.” Her sentiments were echoed by Dillinger, who remarked, “Being recognized this early in my high school career is incredibly meaningful, and shows me that my abilities and ideas can stand out.” Dillinger added that competing has fueled her creativity, pushing her to experiment with new techniques and styles.

Tisone reflected on her evolution as an artist, crediting her growth to Hoopes. “Over the years, I believe I have grown as an artist in many ways. I used to think art was about creating the most realistic drawing, but now, I understand the importance of storytelling in art,” she shared. This shift in perspective, encouraged by her teacher, has helped her embrace a more distinct style, blending realism with impressionism.

MacMillan emphasized the role of Kistler and Hoopes in nurturing their students' talents, stating, “The most incredible aspect of both is their humility and credit they always pass directly to their students.” He praised their dedication, mentioning that they lead their students with courage and continuously create opportunities for them.

The students will be celebrated during a reception on **April 12** at the **Verne Riffe Center for Government and the Arts Davidson Theatre** in downtown Columbus. Following the ceremony, they, along with their families, will attend an official hanging ceremony at the Rhodes Tower. This event underlines the importance of arts education and recognition, celebrating not only the students' individual achievements but also the dedicated educators who guide and inspire them.